About

Stick-lets™ will introduce creative minds to the endless possibilities of constructing with nature's coolest toy: the stick! These flexible connectors provide enough modularity and freedom to get kids of all ages back outside to stretch their imaginations. Let the fort building begin!

{{HELLO}}

Thank you for stopping by to learn more about Stick-lets™. My name is Christina Kazakia and I designed these flexible silicone connectors as part of my graduate thesis in Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design. My goal was to create prompts to engage children with their surrounding natural environment. How can I, as a designer, encourage kids to interact with nature so they have a greater appreciation for it?

Over the last 3 years I've been conducting research and field testing; interviewing parents, children and teachers; prototyping concepts; developing samples local and international manufacturers; marketing Stick-lets™; and selling Stick-lets™ through my online store and boutique and museum shops in the United States. Most recently, Stick-lets™ have been used at schools, camps, playhouses, and forest kindergartens across the world.

{{WHAT'S NEXT?}}

#1 International Retail Shops & Schools:

Lower Cost Per Unit: Families, schools, and organizations around the world want more access to Stick-lets™. To address the high demand in time, I must manufacture a larger run to make my wholesale costs more affordable and accessible for int'l retail shops. To do this, I need to lower the cost per unit to meet stores' margins. I plan to order the larger run directly following the campaign using the Kickstarter funds.

CE Marking: I make every effort to comply to the best safety practices. The European Union requires that products sold to children obtain the CE marking. This safety certificate is rather expensive but it will give me the opportunity to bring Stick-lets™ to more boutiques and startups who value product quality.

#2 Tap Into More Markets:

I've received requests to design additional kits for new markets including recreation, camping, gardening, theater, and team-building exercises. These Kickstarter funds will help me pursue these specialty kits; I'm looking forward to the challenge!

{{IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE YEARS}}

{{SILICONE PROPERTIES}}

{{WHERE YOU MAY FIND STICK-LETS™}}

{{REWARDS}}

Early Bird: All rewards will be mailed out shortly after the Kickstarter campaign. I will ship them out this July.

Shipping Costs: Shipping costs are included for US citizens. Some fees apply for international shipments. I provide the best shipping prices using USPS: First Class and Priority Mail Flat Rate Packages.

Large Education Kit + Lesson Plans: If you order the Large Education Kit with Lesson Plans, I will reach out to you as your Stick-lets are being packaged for delivery to decide on the best time for our Skype session to discuss lesson plans. If you have a preferred time in mind, please mention it in your message.

{{TESTIMONIALS}}

"We fell in love with the concept of these a couple of months ago, and have been eagerly awaiting our first shipment to arrive. With three boys myself, I love the idea of inspired and imaginative play outdoors… with a modern twist!" - FLYING FOX STUDIOS

"The great thing about these is that there is no real wrong or right way to use them. You manipulate and maneuver them until it works for you. Such a fun, inexpensive way to get the kids outside and using their imagination!" - ALL FOR THE BOYS

{{PROJECT TIMELINE}}

{{EARLY PROTOTYPING PHASE}}

{{THANK YOU}}

I'd like to thank my classmates, advisors, and the local Rhode Island schools and camps for their enthusiasm along the way - thank for you allowing me to pick your brains or use you as guinea pigs as I tested prototypes. Many thanks to Good Motion Projectfor the video, Tim Gangi Photography, All For the Boys, and Petit Soulfor the product photography, and my manufacturing team and friends in Taiwan for delivering such excellent products every time. Most importantly, I am grateful for my husband, my family, and my friends who let me approach them for brainstorming sessions and advice when I have a new idea, a silly idea, or no idea at all. XoXo.

P.S. Come visit Stick-lets this June in San Francisco and Philadelphia

Risks and challenges

I have been in business for 2 years now designing, prototyping, field testing, manufacturing, and selling Stick-lets™. This project began in 2011 during my graduate thesis. I've been committed and excited since day one!

{{REGARDING THE REWARDS}}

Early Bird Special:
The most recent versions of Stick-lets™ are being manufactured as of April 2014; however, they still need to be packed and shipped. I will handle all the distribution in-house, so I will have more control of the delivery schedule. That's the benefit; I'll ship your Stick-lets™ rewards shortly following the Kickstarter campaign (in July)!

Batch 2 Option: Some rewards will be offered as our {{BATCH 2}} option. This means that you'll receive them towards the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015. We will keep you updated with any changes.

{{MORE QUESTIONS?}}
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at hello@stick-lets.com.